The Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer

The Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer, RXTE, was launched on
December 30, 1995. RXTE was designed to facilitate the study of time
variability in the emission of X-ray sources with moderate spectral
resolution. Time scales from microseconds to months are covered in a
broad spectral range from 2 to 250 keV. It was designed for a required
lifetime of two years, but operated for more than 16 years.

Mission Characteristics

Lifetime : 30 December 1995 to 05 January 2012
Energy Range : 2 - 250 keV
Special Features : Very large collecting area and all-sky
monitoring of bright sources
Payload :